The 'Mega Blood Donation Drive' organised by the Indian Embassy in association with the Ministry of Health began on Saturday under the auspices of the Muscat Municipality President, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi.
Coinciding with the holy month of Ramadhan, the embassy began the initiative with the participation of the Indian community, in association with the Indian Social Club to celebrate 75 years of India's independence with community service - Sewa Utsav.
"Sewa Utsav or the community service is the Indian community's resolve to join hands with Omani friends, brothers and sisters to give back love and affection they receive from people of Oman," said the Ambassador of India, Amit Narang.
Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Muscat Municipality President, termed it an important initiative because there has been a significant decline in blood donation worldwide since March 2020.
"Initiatives such as these raise the awareness level. Blood donation saves lives, but it is also good for the donor. An initiative like this also keeps the society well connected."
He added, "Worldwide blood donation saw a drop of 10 per cent, but in Oman, with thoughtful campaigns, we have fortunately witnessed an increase of 7 per cent."
The first stage of this unique celebration was the blood donation drive that took place on Saturday at the Indian Embassy as well as in Suhar, Sur and Salalah. The blood donation campaign will go on for seven days.
"What we are aiming 1,000 units of blood. We are working with the Ministry of Health, and in doing so, we can contribute to Oman Blood Bank and, through them, the health system of Oman," the ambassador noted.
For safety, there is a condition that the potential donors should not have travelled outside Oman in the last four months. People with diabetes have to ensure that their sugar level is well controlled for at least three months and should not be using insulin injections. The medical team will also check the haemoglobin level and blood pressure before receiving blood.
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